La Union of Llauradors of Valencia discovers in a study the presence of toxic agents en South African oranges. The African country got the green light so that they could export oranges to the European Union in 2016. It was thanks to this agreement that the objective was to promote trade, development and cooperation with the South African country.
The aforementioned agreement fell as a jug of cold water in Spain as the leading citrus exporter in the European Union. With it, prices have been falling in the last two years. Something that has caused a serious crisis in the citrus sector.
Food safety risks with these South African oranges
In a study presented by the Union of Llauradors It is reported that the entry of South African oranges it has a risk to our health. The presence of products phytosanitary to avoid diseases of the fruit or tree. Substances that in European Union they are prohibited, this is not the case in the African Republic, where they are still allowed.
The active matter present in the South African oranges found are the paraquat. Es un herbicide which can cause skin problems and skin irritations. They can also be presented kidney problems and problems cardiac in high or permanent doses.
In South Africa, the use of products in agriculture that the EU does not authorize is allowed
Other active ingredients banned in the European Union due to sanitary risk if they can be used by South African farmers. Is the Beta-Cypermethrin, an insecticide that can cause cancer and skin problems. Also the carbendazyme, a fungal with risks to our health causing alterations in fertility and the fetus. Lastly, insecticides methidation y methyl parathion used can cause diarrhea, respiratory problems, nausea, vomiting and cramps.
La United of Llauradors will move to European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) This studio. It will also do it to the Spanish Agency for Consumption, Food Safety and Nutrition. All this to expose the serious damage That means allowing these citrus imports. Especially from oranges from South Africa, seen the results.
In addition, this news comes in full protests of Valencian farmers, who threw kilos and kilos of oranges on the streets. In the last days of harvesting they have shown their discontent and even unsustainable situation who live. Some prices of orange laughable that do not allow them to take advantage of the crops.
